Abstract: An isoform of the TGF beta receptor II having a sequence of about of 80 amino acids and lacking a transmembrane domain. The isoform having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 12. The isoform may have the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2 or sequences having at least 85% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2. A fusion peptide is provided having an isoform of the TGF beta II receptor fused to a ligand, wherein a vector having the fusion peptide is used to treat cancer and/or hepatic fibrosis. An antibody binding the soluble isoform of the TGF beta II receptor is provided. The antibody binds the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 12 and is used in in vitro methods.

Abstract: A detector of thermal neutrons, fast neutrons and gamma photons that is based on a Cherenkov radiation detector in water and that allows large active volumes of detection at a relatively low cost and higher intensity signals, wherein said detector comprises a container comprising at least a lid; a photon reflective and diffusive coating inside the container; an aqueous solution contained in the container, which comprises sodium chloride (NaCl); and a light sensing device optically coupled to the aqueous solution.

Abstract: An isoform of the TGF beta receptor II comprising a sequence of about of 80 amino acids and lacking a transmembrane domain. The isoform comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 12. The isoform may have the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2 or sequences having at least 85% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2. A fusion peptide is provided comprising an isoform of the TGF beta II receptor fused to a ligand, wherein a vector comprising the fusion peptide is used to treat cancer and/or hepatic fibrosis. An antibody binding the soluble isoform of the TGF beta II receptor is provided. The antibody binds the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID No. 12 and is used in in vitro methods.

Abstract: A method for modulating angiogenesis in a cancer or tumor refractory to anti-VEGF, including identifying a cancer cell as being referactory to anti-VEGF, and then contacting the cancer cell refractory to anti-VEGF with an effective amount of an agent that modulates interaction between Gal1 or a Gal1 fragment and the natural binding partner of Gal1 or the Gal1 fragment to thereby modulate angiogenesis.

Abstract: A method for the acid dissolution of LiCoO2 contained in the cathode of lithium ion batteries, using acetic or tartaric acid as leaching agent, the method being characterized in that it comprises a first stage and a second stage, wherein said first stage comprises the step of separating the cathode components, while said second stage comprises the step of dissolving the pure LiCoO2 with at least one acid. The method allows achieving an economically viable complete recycling process with low environmental impact.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of Secreted Protein, Acidic and Rich in Cysteine (SPARC) as a new therapeutic target in patients with fulminant hepatitis and allows the development of a strategy destined to protect the liver form damage. The invention relates to the treatment of acute liver failure or fulminant hepatitis by administering to a subject in need thereof an agent that inhibits at least partially the expression of SPARC and/or interferes with its biological function.

Abstract: A method for modulating angiogenesis in a cancer or tumor refractory to anti-VEGF, including identifying a cancer cell as being referactory to anti-VEGF, and then contacting the cancer cell refractory to anti-VEGF with an effective amount of an agent that modulates interaction between Gal1 or a Gal1 fragment and the natural binding partner of Gal1 or the Gal1 fragment to thereby modulate angiogenesis.

Abstract: Process for obtaining lithium compounds and intermediate compounds, comprising the following steps: a) contacting aluminosilicate particles, for example ?-spodumene, with at least one fluorine compound, for example HF, NaF or others; b) stirring the mixture increasing the temperature until reaching an appropriate temperature; c) carrying out at least a precipitation and filtration process of the mixture of step b), and, d) recovering the lithium compound. The process may comprise using HF at a concentration between 5 and 30% v/v or NaF at a concentration between 5 and 30% w/v; a solid/liquid ratio of step a) between 0.9 and 14.4% w/v; a particle size of between 29 and 200 ?m. The final lithium product of the process may be lithium carbonate or lithium fluoride.

Abstract: An isoform of the TGF beta receptor II comprising a sequence of about of 80 amino acids and lacking a transmembrane domain; wherein the isoform is a TGF?-1 agonist. The isoform comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 12. The isoform may have the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2 or sequences having at least 85% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2.

Abstract: Galectin-1 polypeptide variants that include a mutation of the histidine residue corresponding to position 52 of the full-length amino acid sequence of native human Gal-1 as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, the mutation being a substitution of the histidine to tyrosine or asparagine, providing resistance to acidosis otherwise resulting in deactivation of the native human Gal-1. The Galectin-1 polypeptide variants may include one or more additional mutation(s) of the cysteine residue corresponding to a position selected from 2, 16, 88, or combinations thereof of the full-length amino acid sequence of native human Gal-1 as shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, the additional mutation being a substitution of the cysteine to serine, and providing resistance to oxidation.

Abstract: Bi-structured matrix for purification and handling of solid reagents, which comprises at least a polymer solid carrier coated with at least one hydrosoluble polymer, and manufacturing processes. The solid carrier may be, among others, cross-linked polyurethane foam or a micropipette tip. The hydrosoluble polymer may be, among others, polyvinylalcohol, agarose, hydroxyethylcellulose or combinations thereof. The matrix may further comprise a polymer produced from monomers of glycidyl metacrylate (GMA), dimethyl acrylamide (DMAAm), 2-hydroxyethyl metacrylate, metacrylic acid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A process for producing propylene glycol from glycerol including a catalyst of Cu and Ce at concentrations of up to 15% of each metal. In addition, it is described a catalyst of Cu and Ce to perform the selective reduction of glycerol and the process of production of such catalyst.

Abstract: Low-cost and easily-operated microviscometer suitable for medical diagnosis clinical studies and other fluid tests. The equipment consists of a microchannel (2) formed by concatenated microchannels made by micro-manufacturing techniques, and a fluid column position detector inside the microchannel. The microchannels are open at one end and closed at the other end and are made of a single biocompatible material. When a liquid drop is put into the inlet of the microchannel (2), the fluid enters by capillary until the compressed air pressure equals the capillary pressure plus atmospheric pressure. The fluid transient movement from entering the channel until stopping at its balance position is analyzed thus obtaining as a result the viscosity and the capillary pressure of the liquid tested.

Abstract: Recombinant bacterial strains comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome, and capable of fixing nitrogen. The strain may be, for example, a recombinant Pseudomonas fluorescens strain comprising heterologous nif genes in its genome. An inoculum and a method for increasing plant productivity are further described.

Abstract: A vaccine for the prevention of infections with Bordetella, comprising at least outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of B. parapertussis, excipients and/or adjuvants. Bordetella may be, for example, B. pertussis or B. parapertussis. The vaccine can comprise adjuvants, for example, aluminum hydroxide and other immunogens such as tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, or combinations thereof. In another preferred embodiment, the vaccine for the prevention of infections with Bordetella comprises at least outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) of B. pertussis and the lipopolysaccharide of B. parapertussis, excipients and/or adjuvants. The vaccine can comprise between 3 to 20 ?g per dose of OMVs from B. pertussis and between the amount equivalent to 107 and 1010 bacteria per dose of lipopolysaccharide of B. parapertussis. The adjuvant can be aluminum hydroxide and other immunogens such as tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, or combinations thereof. The Tdap vaccine exhibits cross activity.

Abstract: Adjuvant for vaccines that comprises a non-lipidated bacterial outer-membrane polypeptide (Omp), in which the bacteria may be of those of Brucella genus. The adjuvant may be a modified polypeptide or may be, for example, the Omp19S polypeptide or the Omp16S polypeptide, parts or mixtures of the two. In a preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is the non-lipidated polypeptide included in SEQ ID No: 1, or parts thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the adjuvant is the non-lipidated polypeptide included in SEQ ID No: 2 or parts thereof.

Abstract: An isoform of the TGF beta receptor II comprising a sequence of about of 80 amino acids and lacking a transmembrane domain; wherein the isoform is a TGF?-1 agonist. The isoform comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 12. The isoform may have the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2 or sequences having at least 85% sequence identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID No. 2.

Abstract: A method of treating a solid tumor in a mammal by inhibiting angiogenesis, including administering to the mammal which has a solid tumor selected from the group consisting of breast carcinoma, lung carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, colon carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, neuroblastoma, central nervous system tumor, multiform glioblastoma and melanoma; a composition including brassinosteroids of general formula (I) wherein can be a single or double bond and the configurations of carbon atoms C22 and C23 respectively linked to the substituents HO are S for both carbon atoms and a pharmaceutically acceptable additive.

Abstract: A device for diagnosis of physiologic status and/or selection of best spermatozoa of a semen sample based on chemotaxis, and the procedure of thereof, enabling by a simple and inexpensive device the diagnosis and selection of the best spermatozoa in only one step. Only needed are: the present device, a regular light microscope, and personnel with elementary knowledge of laboratory management. The device is of the type having two communicated compartments (1a, 1b), and where said compartments (1a, 1b) communication occurs through a duct or bridge (2) located in the lower part, and above the lower level of mentioned compartments (1a, 1b); in the entrances of said compartments (1a, 1b) appropriate closing means (3, 4) and appropriate air output ducts (5) are placed communicating the top end of compartments (1a, 1b) with the exterior.

Abstract: Low-cost and easily-operated microviscometer suitable for medical diagnosis clinical studies and other fluid tests. The equipment consists of a microchannel (2) formed by concatenated microchannels made by micro-manufacturing techniques, and a fluid column position detector inside the microchannel. The microchannels are open at one end and closed at the other end and are made of a single biocompatible material. When a liquid drop is put into the inlet of the microchannel (2), the fluid enters by capillary until the compressed air pressure equals the capillary pressure plus atmospheric pressure. The fluid transient movement from entering the channel until stopping at its balance position is analyzed thus obtaining as a result the viscosity and the capillary pressure of the liquid tested.